A Dream Comes True on the Shores of Baikal
This August, Syed Muhammad Salman Haider Shamsi, second-year student of the Master’s programme ‘International Business in the Asia-Pacific Region,’ participated in the Baikal Forum on the shore of Lake Baikal. In this article, Salman shares his experience of travelling, experiencing the nature of the Irkutsk region, and sharing knowledge with people from all over the world.
Visiting Lake Baikal—the world’s deepest freshwater lake, a place of myths, ice, and light—was a dream I had quietly carried for years. Thanks to the Baikal Forum and the support of HSE University–St Petersburg’s International Student and Alumni Centre, that dream became a living, breathing chapter of my student life. What I returned with was more than photos: fresh knowledge, new friends from around the world, and concrete ideas on how international students can better integrate into Russian society.
Our dorm was right on the bank of Lake Baikal. Each morning, I woke up before sunrise, walked to the lake, and watched light creep across the water. It felt like nature was putting on a show just for us. Then we’d gather to exercise, led by Nikolai Valuev, a world boxing champion. His energy and discipline inspired all of us. The brisk air, the soft light, and the sound of water lapping set the tone for the day.
The Baikal Forum is more than a scenic meet-up; it’s a packed, well-designed programme that mixes lectures, workshops, and networking with on-the-ground projects in areas such as tourism, business, culture, creative industries, IT, youth leadership, and environmental stewardship. The event brings together company heads, regional leaders, and experts who deliver practical lectures and offer collaborative opportunities and projects. It's a perfect setting to learn about career paths and local industries while building professional ties.
The Baikal Forum wasn’t just another student event—it felt like stepping into a space where learning, networking, and real projects all came together. Every day was carefully planned, mixing lectures, workshops, and teamwork. We weren’t only sitting and listening, we were directly involved in projects about tourism, business, culture, creative industries, IT, youth leadership, and even environmental protection.
What made it special was the people. Heads of companies, regional leaders, and experts came not just to give speeches, but to actually share experiences and open doors. They talked to us about real career paths, about how Russian industries are growing, and even invited us to join their projects. For me, it was eye-opening. I could see clearly how what we study at the university connects to real opportunities in the professional world.
I took part in a project titled ‘How International Students Can Integrate into Russian Society.’ Presenting alongside peers from multiple countries, I was able to share firsthand challenges and propose practical solutions. Key problems we highlighted included language barriers, bureaucratic hurdles (registration, banking, and housing), limited access to local networks, and the emotional strain of adaptation. In response, we proposed concrete measures: buddy programmes with local students, weekly language cafés (informal meetups to practice Russian), a centralised multilingual digital hub with step-by-step guides for newcomers, career clinics co-run by regional employers, and micro-grants to fund cross-cultural student projects. The presence of regional stakeholders made these suggestions feel realistic.
After all the serious work and lectures, the evenings at Baikal were magic. We had grand meetups every night with music, laughter, and stories. Students and organisers from all over Russia and from abroad came together. We danced, shared traditional songs, and just relaxed under the stars. Learning wasn’t just in lectures or workshops; it was in shared moments. It was in the way someone told you the history of Buryat tribes over dinner, or how people from the Irkutsk region welcomed you like family.
What made the forum truly unforgettable were the people and the culture that surrounded us. The volunteers and organisers were always there with a smile, making sure everything ran smoothly and that we felt at home. We shared meals of delicious Buryat dishes, rich in flavour and tradition, and in between, I learned about the fascinating history and customs of the Buryat people, which gave me a deeper sense of connection to the region.
One of the most memorable parts of the trip was the city tour around Irkutsk. Together with local students and international participants, we walked through historical streets, visited a beautiful park, and explored some of the city’s landmarks. What stayed with me was the atmosphere, the mix of old wooden houses, modern squares, and the welcoming smiles of local people. Walking side by side with students from different countries made the experience even richer; every corner of the city felt like a lesson in history, culture, and human connection.
I returned to St Petersburg with new ideas, new friends, new confidence. I feel I can help build better support for international students: clearer information, more connections, more cultural exchange. I also take with me memories I will never forget: waking up to that sunrise, walking and exercising by the lake, sharing stories in the evening, standing by Baikal and feeling small but inspired.
My deepest thanks to HSE University–St Petersburg for making all this possible. To the organisers and volunteers of the Baikal Forum: thank you for your kindness, your effort, your vision. You made our learning real and our dreams reachable.
If you ever have a chance to go to Baikal, don’t hesitate. See the sunrise over its water. Let its vastness change you. I can’t wait to go back and I hope more students like me will follow.
Written by Syed Muhammad Salman Haider Shamsi